Thursday, May 24, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent May 13

I had reported some months back that LHS grad Dr. M. Charles Gilbert had put together a beautiful and informative [color] brochure - The Wonders of the Wichitas - it should be available now at the visitors center in Wichita Mtns.  You can also check out the Wichitas at:  <http://www.ogs.ou.edu/>
Charles is Professor Emeritus, Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, OU.

April 12, Lanny Edwards was inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame along with two racing legends - driver Tony Stewart and owner Richard Childress. In addition, the late Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon was also inducted posthumously.  Lanny had already been inducted into the Sprint Car and National Midget Hall of Fames. Lanny started 52 years ago with purchase of the Lawton Speedway and his racing empire has grown to include the most well-known dirt track in Texas - the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite - and a variety of projects including organizing the World of Outlaws racing circuit and promotion of the annual Chili Bowl in Tulsa.
CBS contacted Lanny and filmed some of the Chili Bowl action that is included in its CBS Sports Spectacular. Lanny has been involved in numerous other speedways including the Oklahoma State Fair race track.  Suffice to say, Lanny has done well with his knack for fast cars and business sense. Lanny attended Lawton schools but not sure year he graduated or if he graduated?  Seems he may have left early to go to work. Good story, page 1 and 2-B, Lawton Constitution, April 12.

Email from James 'Jim' Jennings, '55. Jim is in  Lakewood, CO.  Married to Pat for 52 years.  A daughter Laurie, son John, and a granddaughter!
Yes, Jim is brother to Charles Jennings.

Janette Hanes, '54, was in town recently and organized a small gathering of class 1954 at Mike's Grill on May 3.
Those attending were Janette Hanes, Scotty Wainscott, Peggy (Elledge) Long,  Jane (Taylor) Green and husband George, Louise Blackwelder and Bob Speck, Buddy Braddy, Ronald Ramming and wife Helen, Wiley and Jo Sarten ('57 Eisenhower and friends of Rammings), Johnna (Adams) Hopper, Claudia Hennessee, Virginia (Johnson) Shaw, and Allen Johnson. Janette says all were invited to Allen Johnson's home afterwards and was "very nice."  "Fun and a lot of catching up was had by all."

Maryestelle (Clare) Bishop was just presented the top award at the Southwestern Oklahoma Iris Society show.  She received the award for the best specimen of the show sometimes called the "Queen of the Show". She was also awarded the Horticulture Sweepstakes Award for having the most blue ribbons for the Ica Pearson Traveling Trophy.

I'm so sorry I misspelled Sharon Michelle Kriz name in last news.  It is Kriz, not Kriss.

More remembrances......Some may have interest....the Route 66 Museum in Clinton is set to re-open 2:00pm, May 26.  The Museum originally opened in 1995 and has been closed for renovations. On May 26, visitors can tour the Musem *free* of charge!  I know numerous remember the old Route 66. Yours truly went all the way to California on it with my dad back in 1952.  Summer and a NON a/c car at that! Still remember the sites along the way.  Motels, diners, stores....very unique!

"More about Miss Stafford.  She taught note taking and  insisted that you use her method in class.  Well, I used her method all through college, and even today.  Other people would comment on my note taking; I would tell them that I was taught by the best."
Nancy (Page) Wakefield, Class of 1959 (but I moved my senior year to Oklahoma City!)
btw....Nancy is a Washington School alumn!

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I always dislike having to send sad news, but this is most difficult for me to write.  Some already know, others may not, but I lost my beautiful, sweet mom - Lucille Gill - on May 5 after some months of difficulty following a stroke on Jan. 30. Services were May 8.
Mom was 90 and one half and lived a long, good life.  She leaves a wonderful legacy as a mom who loved her kids.  We six siblings were so fortunate to have her as a mom. We have and will enjoy thousands of treasured memories as we remember her always. We will miss her terribly as do all who have lost loved ones.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.beckerfuneral.com/>
Photo of mom when she was about 20-22 years old.

John Donald 'Don' Aust, 82, of Lawton, passed on May 9.  Don attended Washington School and Lawton Jr High and was LHS class 1948. He married Jeannine Hannah (Ewing) in 1950. He is survived by his wife; a son Stephen; 2 granddaughters; a nephew, Billy Aust Cole; nieces, Donna Littlefield, Carolyn Hardeman, Cathy Cox. Extended family members.
Services will be 1:00pm, Monday May 14, Centenary Methodist church with burial at Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.grayfuneral.com/>

Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52, continues with treatment for cancer as does Tom Bullock and I know there are others. Please keep these in your prayers along with those who have lost loved ones.

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Yours truly will be off-line from Monday the 14 - 20th. 

If you are fortunate to still have your mom, don't forget her special day today....and every day! Time slips by so very quickly.    Georgia